It really seems pretty unusual that so much could be decided this early in the season, but tonight seems like a pretty massive game in terms of playoff implications.
If the Texans win, the Patriots are virtually eliminated from the top seed in the AFC. (It's "virtual," in that they could still theoretically get it if the Texans lose out and Indy wins out, and Indy wins the division, since the Pats have the tie breaker over the Indy. Also, it would still be theoretically possible for the Pats to host the AFCCG if they make it if Houston loses early in the playoffs.) Indeed, if the Patriots lose, they are looking pretty shaky for a bye, since Denver would be ahead of them in wins and Baltimore holds the tie breaker. Since Denver and Baltimore play each other and thus one has to win that game, the Patriots would very likely be on the outside looking in for a bye, even if they get to 12 wins.
If, however, the Patriots win, they are in really good shape. They will have a one game lead over Baltimore despite not having the tie breaker, the tie breaker over Denver, and would still be very much in line for the top seed.
It seems awful early for those kind of stakes.
